Xabi Alonso on verge of being named new Chelsea supervisor in main coup
Chelsea are set to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager after the former Liverpool star and ex-Bayer Leverkusen boss agreed to take charge at Stamford Bridge, marking the club’s sixth permanent manager of the Boehly era
Xabi Alonso is being tipped to replace Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach.(Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea are poised to name Xabi Alonso as their new manager. And they could even unveil the appointment on Sunday after fast-tracking discussions with the former Real Madrid boss.
Alonso, the ex-Liverpool midfielder, has been lured to Stamford Bridge ahead of other leading candidates including Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva. Oliver Glasner was also in the running, but they have all been eclipsed by Alonso.
It would mark a significant breakthrough for Chelsea because the former Bayer Leverkusen chief is still considered among Europe’s elite coaches. Remarkably, it will be the SIXTH permanent manager of the Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly reign, following Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
Alonso has been engaged in negotiations after Chelsea approached multiple candidates – but it swiftly emerged he was their top target, reports the Mirror.
It signals a departure from young managers because Alonso is an established name and that may also indicate a shift in strategy from the club’s hierarchy. Chelsea supporters have been demonstrating against the ownership and even staged a 200-strong protest on Wembley Way to express their discontent.
Maresca was dismissed just months after guiding the club to a European trophy, the Champions League and also the Club World Cup. They have backed young players on lengthy deals – but it has failed to deliver this season.
The progress on Alonso comes after Chelsea’s FA Cup final loss to Manchester City. This should underscore Chelsea’s resolve to return to trophy-winning ways following a calamitous season that led to Rosenior’s sacking after a disastrous run.
They now face the daunting prospect of missing out on Champions League football and may not even secure European football next season.
However, this hasn’t deterred them from recruiting Alonso in an attempt to reclaim their place on the grand stage.
